High energy density laser interactions with planetary and astrophysical materials: methodology and data

Sandia National Laboratories NLS (1064 nm) and Z-Beamlet (527 nm) pulsed lasers @ ~ 100 GW/cm2 and 10 TW/cm2 were used to attain pressures at 20 - 525 GPa on a variety of metallic and mineral targets. A simple, inexpensive and innovative electro-optical real-time methodology monitored rear surface mechanical deformation and associated particle and shock wave velocities that differ considerably between metals and non-metals. A reference calibration metal (Aluminum) and a reference non-metal (graphite) were used to demonstrate the validity of this methodology. Normative equations of state and momentum coupling coefficients were obtained for dunite, carbonaceous meteorites, graphite, iron and nickel. These experimental results on inhomogeneous materials can be applied to a variety of high energy density interactions involving stellar and planetary material formation, dynamic interactions, geophysical models, space propulsion systems, orbital debris, materials processing, near-earth space (lunar and asteroid) resource recovery, and near-earth object mitigation models.